Overview
Motor truck cargo insurance pays for loss or damage to the goods you're hauling when you're legally liable for them. That can be a collision, fire, theft, overturn or a load that shifts and gets damaged in transit.
Cargo policies differ a lot between carriers. Two policies with the same $100,000 limit can cover very different things, so we read the exclusions with you and match the form to the freight you actually haul.
What It Covers
Freight in Transit
Loss or damage to customer goods while loaded, in transit, and often during loading and unloading.
Fire, Collision & Overturn
The core perils that cause the most cargo losses on the road.
Theft
Theft of cargo, usually subject to conditions such as locks, alarms or attended-vehicle rules.
Debris Removal & Earned Freight
Many forms add cleanup costs after a loss and reimburse the freight charges you would have earned.
Reefer Breakdown
Optional endorsement covering spoilage when your refrigeration unit fails. Essential for temperature-controlled loads.
Tarps, Chains & Straps
Some policies can be extended to cover your load-securement equipment.
Who Needs It
- Any for-hire carrier hauling freight for others
- Carriers booking through load boards and brokers
- Reefer, dry van, flatbed and box truck operators
- Household goods movers (a federal cargo filing may be required)
What Affects Your Price
- Commodities hauled and their theft appeal
- Limit per load and deductible
- Reefer vs. dry freight
- Cargo loss history
- Security measures and parking practices
- Radius and high-theft regions
Roy's tip: Always tell us the full list of commodities you haul. Many cargo claims are denied because the freight was an excluded or unlisted commodity, not because of the accident itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cargo coverage do I need?
$100,000 per load is the most common broker requirement for general freight. High-value freight such as electronics, pharmaceuticals or alcohol may require $250,000 or more. Match your limit to the most valuable load you realistically carry.
What does cargo insurance usually exclude?
Common exclusions include unattended-vehicle theft, certain high-value commodities, mysterious disappearance, spoilage without a reefer breakdown endorsement, and loads hauled in unscheduled trucks. Exclusions vary by carrier; we review them with you before you buy.
Is cargo insurance required by law?
Federal rules require a cargo filing only for household goods carriers. For everyone else it's a contract requirement: brokers and shippers won't tender loads without it.